Classics charities and campaigners pledge to save ancient Greek A-level

Classics campaigners are in sight of saving A-level ancient Greek in what is thought to be the last non-selective state school in England to offer the subject in the sixth form.

Camden School for Girls in north London sparked an outcry from enthusiasts, including former pupils, in March when the governors confirmed they were considering axing the subject in the co-educational sixth-form from next term. They cited increased school costs and reduced government funding.

It seemed that the GCSE at the only local state school to offer the exam in the subject might be in peril too.

Classics charities and other have now promised more than £16,000 in donations. The school has also launched an appeal for a further £21,000 to ensure full funding for A- and AS-level courses in the school’s co-educational sixth form along with a plan to offer an after-school GCSE in the subject free of charge to pupils from other schools.

The Guardian has been told the A-level course, which three pupils had originally intended to study in the sixth form, will continue next year although the school’s head, Elizabeth Kitcatt, did not confirm this.

Kitcatt said: “The school values classics as a subject and is doing everything possible to maintain it. Our campaign to support classics is at a very early stage, and we do not know, as yet, how successful we will be.”

Kitcatt has told campaigners a solution is in sight. The school’s website appeal, which has so far received donations of up to £250, says: “Our goal is to introduce ancient Greek widely, encouraging a future cohort of learners at A-level. Interest in the hub is high and we expect 20 to 25 students to participate in the after-school programme beginning in September 2015.”

Ancient Greek is not essential for students applying to study classics at university but its threatened loss is being seen as a defining moment in state education. The fact that charitable and private donations are now essential to saving the subject in comprehensives is likely to prolong debate about its place in the curriculum.